Optimize collaboration with interim professionals in 3 steps

A successful collaboration between a client and an interim professional is like a good marriage: it requires clear communication, trust, and the willingness to compromise occasionally. But let's face it, sometimes achieving that perfect harmony can be a real challenge. Fortunately, we're here to help! We share three key steps to optimise collaboration when executing an interim assignment.

Step 1: Good preparation is half the battle

Working with freelancers has many advantages, but it's important to keep a few essential considerations in mind. Even before the assignment is finalised.

• Communicate effectively: It may seem obvious, but this is often overlooked. When working with freelancers, effective communication is absolutely essential. Make sure you and your interim professional discuss clear expectations and objectives from the outset. This includes defining the assignment and discussing the desired outcomes.
• Make clear agreements: Drafting clear contracts and agreements is also essential when working with freelancers. Ensure that all important matters, such as the work format, payment terms, and hours indication, are in writing. This protects both your company and the freelancer and prevents potential disputes in the future. So, make sure you do it!
• Evaluate skills and experience: Someone may claim to know a lot about something, but it might be entirely different experience from what you expect. Therefore, ask for a portfolio or references from previous projects to get an idea of the work quality. Consider giving a trial assignment to test skills before entering into a long-term collaboration.
• Safeguard legal aspects: It is crucial to safeguard intellectual property rights and confidentiality. Ensure there are clear agreements about who will own the created work and that the freelancer adheres to your guidelines. This is especially relevant for tasks involving confidential information, such as software development or drafting marketing strategies.

Step 2: Secure the Assignment

Hiring a freelancer to support your permanent team of employees is a very good strategy to tackle significant work in the short term. Keep the following points in mind to get the most out of the assignment.

• Maintain Clear Communication: We cannot stress enough how important clear communication remains during the assignment. Think about setting deadlines, discussing project details, and defining desired outcomes. By communicating openly and honestly, misunderstandings can be prevented, and both parties can collaborate more effectively.
• Determine Communication Channels: We live in a world full of modern technology, so let's use it to enhance our collaboration. Make use of open communication channels like project management software, shared documents, and online collaboration platforms. A central hub where all relevant information is stored and shared facilitates communication and ensures both parties always have access to the most up-to-date data.
• Build Mutual Trust: Trust is a crucial aspect of any collaboration. Trust in the expertise and capabilities of your freelancer. Building trust can be daunting, but remember that an acrobat won't have a soft landing if they don't trust their partner. So, let go and trust that you can achieve great things together.
• Maintain clear goals: Both parties must have a shared understanding of what needs to be accomplished and what milestones need to be met. By setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals, you can closely monitor progress and identify any bottlenecks well in advance. Regular evaluation and adjustment of the objectives helps keep the collaboration on track.
• Continuous Evaluation and Feedback: Both the client and the interim manager should meet regularly to discuss progress, identify bottlenecks and make any adjustments. Giving and receiving constructive feedback is essential to ensure both parties stay on the same page. Flexibility and feedback are the keys to a smooth dance together.

Step 3: The dance with permanent employees

On the dance floor of business, permanent employees and interim professionals must perform spectacular choreography together to achieve business goals. And as with any dance, finding each other's rhythm sometimes takes some getting used to.

• Understand and value each other: Permanent employees and interim professionals bring different experiences and skills to the table. It is essential to recognize and appreciate each other's unique contributions. By showing respect for each other's expertise, they can complement each other and create a synergy that improves the team's overall performance.
• Foster open communication: A key factor for successful collaboration is open and transparent communication. Encouraging frequent conversations, in which ideas and concerns can be freely exchanged, promotes a better understanding of each other's perspectives and helps avoid potential conflicts.
• Build mutual trust: Trust is the foundation of any strong collaboration. Permanent employees must trust interim professionals and vice versa. Consistency in actions and keeping promises strengthens the atmosphere of trust.
• Sharing common goals: Formulating and sharing common goals is critical. When both permanent staff and interim professionals focus on the same end result, a sense of unity and shared responsibility is created. It is like walking on a common path that leads to success.
  The collaboration between permanent staff and interim professionals is - as we like to think of it - like a beautiful dance performance that enchants the audience. By understanding each other's dance styles, embracing open communication, relying on each other as leading partners and following common goals as choreography, they can create a masterpiece together.

Conclusion

Optimizing collaboration between the organization and interim staff requires preparation, good communication and a dose of lightheartedness. By ensuring the above points, you can take the collaboration to the next level. Remember these aspects and enjoy the benefits of hiring a freelancer.